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My wife and I sailed on the Island about three years ago and had no problem at all accessing the balcony. I don't remember what cabin we were in, but it was a wheelchair accessible room and definitely had a ramp so the wheelchair could get outside.

We just sailed on Island Princess westbound Panama Canal April 1-16. Although we were confirmed for late traditional seating at 8:00 p.m. (per the cruise personalizer), when we boarded we found our dinner time had been changed to 7:30. Not a big deal for us, 7:30 was fine. However, early traditional seating had been changed to 5:15. If we had booked early seating, I would definitely NOT have been happy with the change.

Thanks, everyone, for the great links and all the useful information!

We are sailing on Island Princess on Tuesday. Where can I find a list of other cruise ships scheduled to be in Port Everglades on the same day. I'm just curious and trying to guess how busy/crowded the port might be at that time. I would also like to know what ships are due back at Port of Los Angeles on April 16, at the end of our cruise. Thanks!

First, let me say I have never used the sanctuary. At these new prices, I can safely say I never will. I understand the cruise lines are in business to make money, but I think there are limits to what is reasonable. There are lines other than Princess where passengers can expect to be pampered more and receive more personal attention because the ships are smaller and carry fewer people. Passengers also pay more for that privilege.

We sail Princess because we love the itineraries, the ships, and the crews have always been wonderful. However, I have no desire to cruise on a ship with different classes of service, whether it is based on where one's cabin is located, or how much extra money one is willing to spend onboard. Where does this end? Next, will we be able to pay a crew member to follow us around all day, waiting just on us while ignoring other passengers? "Our" crew member could go to the pool deck at 6 a.m. to save us lounges until we show up at noon to use them! Why not? We would be paying for it. Or maybe the ship could just hold an auction every morning to sell spaces in the sanctuary. Who knows? Maybe on canal day, they could get $500 for a lounge there. Obviously, I'm exaggerating (a little.)

Many of us cruise because it is one of the great vacation bargains still available. If you want to be treated like you're the only one on the ship (more or less), there are lines where you can do that. Please don't make me feel like a second class passenger on Princess just because I can't/won't pay extra for service I believe I'm already paying for.

Yes, there is an expiration on the credit.

We had to cancel a Panama Canal trip in December, 2012. The FCC we got has to be used by Dec., 2014. We're scheduled to try this cruise again April 1st. I can't wait!

Thanks, everyone, for your responses. I feel much better hearing the same answer from all of you. Now I can relax and look forward to the cruise. I can't wait to go!

One other question: My wife, who hates needles even more than I do, was wondering if we need any vaccinations before we go? I know someone (or many of you) will know this info.

Again, thanks in advance!

Harry

My wife and I are sailing on Island Princess in April, and like to play blackjack on board. It has been over two years (way too long) since our last cruise. Can someone who has been on Island Princess (or any Princess ship) recently tell me what table minimums are now? Also, is Princess still paying 3:2 for blackjack, or are they paying 6:5?

Thanks!

My wife and I are sailing on Island Princess on 4/1/14, Ft Lauderdale to Los Angeles. When I booked the cruise online (Princess.com), a warning popped up on more than one occasion stating that it is my responsibility to acquire any and all necessary visas or other documents required for this cruise. Failure to do so could result in our being denied boarding. I have no problem with this.

My question: Are there any visas or other required documents for U.S. citizens traveling on this cruise?

This is the 15 day full Panama Canal transit, with stops in Aruba, Columbia, Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Mexico.

I called Princess customer service to ask, and a very nice representative checked and told me that none are required. I'm sure she is correct, but the warnings on the website have me a little bit paranoid. I will feel better hearing it from someone who has sailed this itinerary before. Am I worrying about nothing?

Thanks in advance.